The fundamental concern presented in this examination is not to attack Catholic believers but to highlight a critical distinction: genuine Christian faith—based on personal relationship with God through Christ, simple faith, and direct connection to the divine—becomes obscured when overlaid with the complex philosophical, hierarchical, and ritualistic systems inherited from pre-Christian Rome.

Many who love the community and traditions of Catholicism find themselves struggling with elements that seem disconnected from the simple message of the gospels. The continued use of the title "Pontifex Maximus," the preservation of the college of bishops, the emphasis on ritual correctness, the veneration of saints, and many other practices demonstrate the extent to which Roman Catholicism maintains its connection to its pre-Christian Roman foundations.

For those seeking a genuine faith centered on Christ alone, understanding this history provides clarity. It is possible to appreciate the rich historical tradition while recognizing that one's spiritual journey need not be bound by systems established centuries before Christ walked the earth.

The core of biblical salvation is simple—complete faith in Christ alone. This differs fundamentally from systems that divide our trust between self-righteousness, human traditions, and Christ's sacrifice. God makes it clear that partial faith is insufficient; we must let go of both self-trust and tradition-trust to fully embrace Christ's completed work.

As we witness discussions about papal transitions and Catholic traditions, let us remember that Rome is not merely a geographic location or institution but a way of thinking that extends back centuries before Christ. By recognizing the distinction between Romanism and genuine Christianity, many may find freedom to pursue a faith that relies fully on Christ rather than human traditions, however ancient and impressive they may be.